USA has long been a prime tourist destination, and with so much to see, it can be hard to choose where to start.
25 Best places to visit in the USA USA has long been a prime tourist destination, and with so much to see, it can be hard to choose where to start.
USA has long been a prime tourist destination, and with so much to see, it can be hard to choose where to start.
To help you narrow it down, in this post we’ll highlight 25 of the best places to visit in the USA.
1. San Diego: San Diego is rich in Mexican culture (think endless tacos and burritos – yum!). Check out Balboa Park, and the famous San Diego Zoo. I’ve found La Jolla is the place to stay for a beach experience, and there’s an excellent trolley system to get around.
2. Orlando: Orlando is home to many theme parks including Universal Studios and Disney World, making it one of the most fun cities in the world (and it’s not just because I’m a Disney fan!). Downtown Orlando is the place to stay, with a great selection of hotels and diners.
3. Washington DC: Capital of the USA and seat of the federal government, Washington DC is known for many landmarks like the White House and the Lincoln Memorial. I definitely had a Legally Blonde moment there! Stay in Dupont Circle, which has a super cool nightlife.
4. Chicago: Best known for its vibrant city life, skyscrapers and sports teams, Chicago offers futuristic architecture, including Millennium Park. If you’re heading to Chicago for the first time, it’s best to stay in Downtown/The Loop, which is probably the most famous neighbourhood.
5. Yellowstone: Yellowstone offers steaming geysers, hot springs and waterfalls, and the rainbow-coloured Grand Prismatic Spring is a must-see, it’s absolutely breathtaking. The nearest airport is at Jackson Hole, about 96km from the south entrance, but is worth the trip!
6. Glacier National Park: While glaciers are the main attraction of the park, there’s many lakes, mountains and waterfalls to drool over too. There’s also an area for canoeing and fishing, while moose and elk are often spotted here. I made friends with a baby elk!
7. Lake Tahoe: Not only can you ski and snowboard, but the warmer months are ideal for hiking and various lake activities. Stay in one of the numerous resorts available, and treat yourself to a spa day – I did!
8. Aspen: With world-renowned ski slopes, and trendy restaurants, Aspen really is the place to capture those stunning Instagram shots, because have you really been there if you haven’t posted about it?
9. Boston: In Boston, the Bunker Hill Monument offers a fantastic overview of the history of the city, and Fenway Park is an attraction for the baseball fans like me. Go the Red Sox! The Freedom Trail makes sightseeing in this city easy.
10. Seattle: Although it’s known for its gloomy weather, there’s still a lot on offer in Seattle. Grab a coffee, check out the art scene and the Olympic Sculpture Park, or peruse through the Pike Place Market.
11. Napa Valley: Vineyards, wineries, hot springs, and endless food, what more could you want? This place was a dream of mine! Stay in one of the many luxurious resorts and spas dotted along the Napa Valley, which really is a postcard location.
12. Sedona: Sedona is home to stunning red rock formations which can be accessed by various hiking trails. After a day in the dirt, you can head to one of the city’s spas or wellness centres for a spot of yoga or a facial. Which of course, is the only way to end the day…
13. Savannah: One of the most stunning, but eerie cities, you’ll find ornate houses and Spanish moss wherever you look. At night you can take one of the many ghost tours among the old southern mansions and cemeteries.
14. Houston: With direct flights from cities across the USA, it’s easy to fly into Houston. Head to a sports game, enjoy their incredible food, or wander through the museum district. You can ride along the trails in parks, or kayak along the Buffalo Bayou.
15. Waikiki: Beautiful beaches and cocktails, the perfect combo! Hit the waves, or the shops, and enjoy a variety of dining options. Perfect for families, couples, and singles, there are often cheap flights from the USA. Stay in one of the hotels along the oceanfront – those views!
16. Atlanta: Are you a Coca Cola fan? Atlanta has a museum showcasing the soft drink, which I found very interesting! There’s also Centennial Olympic Park and the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site. Stay in Downtown Atlanta, the heart and soul of the city.
17. Yosemite National Park: Yosemite is a never-ending stretch of wilderness with incredible views, providing hiking opportunities for all fitness levels. It takes about 4 hours by car to get here from San Francisco.
18. New Orleans: New Orleans is known for its French Creole culture, cuisine and history. Bourbon Street is the place to be for jazz music and nightlife (especially yard glasses!). Travel around using the famous streetcars, but the city is also compact enough to be able to walk almost everywhere. Stay in the famous French Quarter.
19. Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls was definitely something on my bucket list! To experience the rapids under the falls, take the Maid of the Mist boat cruise. It was amazing – but you do get soaked! Stay overnight in one of the local inns, or drive the 7 hours from NYC.
20. Miami: I strolled the streets and beaches of Miami, before heading to Miami Beach just across the bay, known for its architecture and the vivacious South Beach. You’ll be spoilt for choice for hotels to stay in!
21. Los Angeles: There are always cheap flights to LA, which is packed with celebrity culture. Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or take a bus tour to Beverly Hills to see stars’ homes. You could also head out to Santa Monica to see the theme park on the pier. Just don’t go on the rollercoaster straight after an ice cream, that was my mistake – oops!
22. Las Vegas: Las Vegas is a city of lights, with endless casinos along the Strip, showgirls and more. If you want a luxe experience, stay at Caesars Palace and enjoy a cocktail or two. Hello happy hour! There are always cheap flights to Vegas from LA, or you could hire a car and do the 4-hour drive.
23. San Francisco: The Golden Gate Bridge is undoubtedly the city’s number one attraction, which you can drive, cycle or walk across. Head down to Fisherman’s Wharf, or get the ferry over to Alcatraz – which do night tours (I wasn’t brave enough!). You can use the historic cable cars to get around.
24. Grand Canyon: This massive natural wonder is a huge tourist destination. You can get there from Las Vegas by bus, or go all out and fly over it in a helicopter. I took a lot of stunning photos with my new selfie stick!
25. New York City: The Big Apple is definitely where dreams are made of. Hire a bike and cycle through the iconic Central Park, and admire the skylines including the famous Empire State Building. I stayed in the Upper East Side to channel my inner Gossip Girl, it was divine!
Whether you visit some or all of these places in the USA, you won’t be disappointed!